FLIBS Preview

The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest boat show in North America, will kick off its 59th year a few days after this issue hits newsstands. For those who are missing out or for those of you who are already en route, here is a preview of a few of the new models, new tech, and other news that is being unveiled at the 2018 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.

The Boats

Three new Nordhavns: One Debut and Two New Boats

Nordhavn is known for innovating and improving on their existing products to bring the best cruising boats to market. This year is no different as they introduce the new Nordhavn Coastal Pilot Motoryacht Edition in Fort Lauderdale. Nordhavn will also have two new models of their popular 475 and 80 on display

The popular Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot Motoryacht Edition

Nordhavn 59 Coastal Pilot Motoryacht Edition

The Motoryacht edition is a slight change to the popular Coastal Pilot introduced in mid-2016. The original 59 CP was Nordhavn’s first venture away from full displacement boats into semi-displacement hull forms. The original CP featured a cockpit that was perfect for storing kayaks, SUPs, and dinghies. The new Motoryacht version eliminates the cockpit and expands the interior living space, allowing for a larger saloon, galley, and creates space for a stand up engine room all the way aft to the stern.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks for watching!

Nordhavn 475

This new yacht fits in the midsize range for Nordhavn, offering something in a 50-foot range while maintaining pricing similar to the Nordhavn 43. Based on the 43 hull, the N475 not only presents a much different look from her predecessor thanks to a completely new deck and flybridge, she also provides more room throughout the interior and exterior of the boat. And she continues to offer the economy and manageability of a mid-size boat. The 475 gains room over the 43 with a two foot expansion in the saloon, engine room, and lazarette.

Nordhavn 80

This new model is designed to bridge the gap between the N76 and the N86 and N96 designs. The 80 is designed to provide the passagemaking capabilities that Nordhavn is known for while offering interior style and luxurious living spaces. With four staterooms the new N80 offers a variety of layouts, including a skylounge or an upper-level owners’ suite with a private balcony. The N80 is designed to be owner-operated but can also accommodate crew for the owner who desires. Nordhavn expects the N80 to be a very popular model and it is sure to be abuzz during the Fort Lauderdale show.

Grand Banks 60SL

Grand Banks 60 Skylounge

The Grand Banks 60 Skylounge has been working her way down the Eastern Seaboard on the boat show circuit where she has turned heads in every port. The same is bound to be true in Fort Lauderdale where GB builds on the success of their original 60 with this expanded Skylounge version. We got a first look at the new model at Baltimore TrawlerFest and were quite impressed with the extra enclosed space, and unreal visibility from the helm. We’re also big fans of the day head ... I mean, who wouldn’t be? Make sure to make time to take in this high-tech motoryacht in Fort Lauderdale or one of the many other shows she will be attending over the winter.

Outer Reef

Outer Reef 700 Motoryacht

Outer Reef will have two new boats at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, their 610 and 700 motoryachts. While not new models, these tried-and-true models exemplify Outer Reef’s build quality and design aesthetic. The 610 is a great owner/operator cruiser for those looking for easy maneuverability and fuel economy. With all the accommodations of a larger yacht you will have a hard time believing she is only 61 feet. The 700 Motoryacht is a proven long-range exploration motoryacht, for which it has won several awards over the years. The Outer Reef 700 is a must see if you are looking for a solid passagemaker. Like all Outer Reefs, she offers owners a smooth ride and maneuverability with all the accommodations and stowage designed for long range cruising.

Zeelander 55

Zeelander 55

After much success with the Zeelander 44, this Dutch builder is debuting their new 55-foot model in Fort Lauderdale. She may not be your typical coastal passagemaker, but the Zeelander design provides all you need for long-distance cruising with family and friends. The Zeelander design is a take on what we might classically think of as a Downeast design, crossed with, as Alan Harper put it in his review in our sister publication, Power and Motoryacht, “You could easily imagine her as a Prohibition-era rumrunner.” The Z55 sports three premium cabins, including a luxurious master.

Elling E6

Elling E6

Another Dutch design will be making a debut in Fort Lauderdale, the Elling E6. The E6 launched a little while back in Europe and this is her North American debut. She is a yacht worth careful examination by those looking for a low-profile, salty, bluewater cruiser. As Dag Pike pointed out in his review of the boat last year, “... real cruising boaters won’t be let down by her abilities. Here you find a beautiful marriage of traditional and modern, a well-proportioned style that will have persistent appeal and will not date quickly.”

New Products

Simrad Active Imaging Sonar

Simrad Active Imaging Sonar

Simrad has released new Active Imaging Sonar which will replace their existing TotalScan™ transducer. Active Imaging will resolve a new level of detail for structure scanning up to 300 feet from either side of the boat. This will provide superb detail for anglers, putting them on more fish, faster. These transducers are designed to work with Simrad Go series displays and started shipping in a bundle with those displays this October.

Simrad Halo24 Dome Radar

Simrad Halo24 Dome Radar

Simrad’s newest radar is sure to make some waves. This new dome advances their already award-winning radars with pulse compression technology. The new Halo24 offers a whopping 60rpm at hi-speed rotation with a reach out to two miles—an industry first. With multiple modes the Halo24 can offer high-quality short-, mid-, and long-range detection capability, up to 48 nautical miles. The Halo24 is designed to process multiple ranges simultaneously for advanced, instantaneous Dual Range performance. This new dome also features Simrad VelocityTrack Doppler technology that provides instant visual feedback on the motion of radar targets in relation to the boat—color-coding approaching vessels for high visibility while deemphasizing diverging targets. If you are in the market for high-end radar, make sure you stop by to talk with the folks at Simrad.

Lowrance Elite TI2 Series Multi Function Displays

Lowrance Elite TI2 Series Multi Function Displays

If you are looking for a quality, yet affordable MFD for your dinghy or fishing tender, make sure to check out Lowrance’s new TI2 series. This new series of MFDs introduces many of the high-end features previously only seen in their top of the market HDS displays. The TI2 series offers active image sonar, wireless networking, and Bluetooth® connectivity for calls and texts.